Volunteers are a very important part of what we do here at Upcott. Without their help much of our work would be impossible and we think we offer a positive experience in return. Volunteers join us for various lengths of time and in different capacities:
Upcott weeks helpers.
Helping on Upcott weeks is a privilege and a high calling, therefore we have high expectations for our helpers of supervision of the young people, as well as preparing teaching and organizing the other activities. As the age group increases the need for practical supervision becomes less and so the helper's role becomes more one of spiritual support and facilitating the involvement of the young people.
In line with our overall vision of working within a family model, helpers should consider their long term relationships with the young people on the week(s) they help with. This can mean being committed to maintaining contact throughout the year and choosing to be a helper with the same people as they grow up through the weeks.
If you're 17 or over you can help on Smiley and Tweens or help in the kitchen, garden and house. For Tops, helpers need to be 20 or over and for Ignite and Involve, 24 or over.
Helpers are asked to contribute towards their board and there is a booking fee of £25 per week.
If you are interested in becoming a helper, you can start the application process rolling by filling in our Helper's Application Form.
International / Medium term volunteers.
Often volunteers come for several months, particularly over the summer, and we usually have a number of volunteers join us from overseas.
Volunteers coming to live and work at Upcott in this capacity become part of the team, joining in normal day to day chores and working in the garden, houseand kitchen. Accommodation is in shared rooms and you may have to move around if you are here for an extended period. Usual life at Upcott includes a time of prayer at the beginning of each day and a weekly time of worship and bible study together. If you are here during the school holidays you will be able to be involved in the spiritual content of the Upcott weeks and we aim to use people as best as we can according to their particular giftings.
How About you - We are looking for people with a personal faith in Christ and a desire to grow in their relationship with him. Being at Upcott is a lot about giving of yourself, so you need to be prepared to do just that, both through serving our guests and in relating to others on the team. You also need to be able to speak enough English to make yourself understood and to understand what is said to you. We suggest that if you haven't been to Upcott before that you don't come for more than two or three weeks.
eXcellent Life is a volunteer, youthwork-focused opportunity to be part of the work of the Axe Valley Christian Trust.
The key concept we have in mind for XL is that of sharing life. As part of XL you will be living and serving with the Upcott team and other volunteers. Sharing life is costly but we believe it has an essential part to play for us to grow in our relationship with Jesus.
XL is not about opting out of normal life - we make no apologies for the work centered approach. We aim to provide a working environment in which to pursue God's best.
The cost of XL is £35 per week. Participants are able to have a part time job during their time on XL.
What next?
If you are interested in volunteering at Upcott or just want to find out more please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions or send you an application pack.